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The Government is assuring the motoring public that the appropriate legislative framework will be created to ensure that petroleum and petroleum products received into the market are safe and conform to international best practices.

Newly appointed Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, noted that in this regard, the Petroleum (Downstream Activities) Act is being developed to regulate the quality of fuel supplied in Jamaica.

“I want to assure you of the Government’s firm commitment to the industry and our continued support in areas of policy and the maintenance of industrial harmony within the sector,” she said.

The Government is assuring the motoring public that the appropriate legislative framework will be created to ensure that petroleum and petroleum products received into the market are safe and conform to international best practices.

Newly appointed Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, noted that in this regard, the Petroleum (Downstream Activities) Act is being developed to regulate the quality of fuel supplied in Jamaica.

“I want to assure you of the Government’s firm commitment to the industry and our continued support in areas of policy and the maintenance of industrial harmony within the sector,” she said.

“We are committed to working with all our stakeholders and partners to build a modern, efficient, diversified, environmentally-sustainable and profitable energy sector,” Mrs. Williams added.

She was speaking at the press launch of Texaco Jamaica’s centenary anniversary, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on February 19.

It was her first speaking engagement since being appointed to the Energy Portfolio by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness last Wednesday (February 13).

Mrs. Williams informed that among the elements of the Act being proposed is a reduction in the levels of pollutants and emissions arising from the use of fuel that may cause environmental and health problems and “an insistence on the protection and safety of consumers and the general public”.

The Act will also facilitate the adoption of better engine and emission control technology, allow for more effective operation of engines and ensure that where appropriate, information about fuel is provided when it is supplied.

Mrs. Williams hailed GB Energy, which operates the Texaco brand in Jamaica, for the “tremendous strides” it has made in the petroleum industry over the course of its 100 years of operation.

“This company supplies some 70 stations and has increased its industrial accounts, grown its market share in aviation fuel supply, partnered with the Government through the Jamaica Automobile Association’s fuel card system and introduced liquid petroleum gas (LPG),” she noted.

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, in his remarks, said that the energy sector is critical to the regional tourism industry, accounting for 10 per cent of operating costs.

“Next to labour costs, energy costs are the highest element in the tourism structure,” he noted.

Mr. Bartlett informed that Texaco has played a key role in the local tourism industry, with the CEO serving on the Ministry’s Linkage Council as well as its Knowledge Network.

The company has also pledged support for the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, which will assist in destination preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and/or crises that threaten tourism-dependent economies.

Meanwhile, Minister Bartlett informed that over the next two months, ground will be broken for an additional 7,000 rooms in the hotel industry.

GB Energy’s CEO, for his part, advised that a number of initiatives will be undertaken to mark Texaco’s 100th anniversary, including introduction of charging stations for electric cars, and an increase in the number of service stations selling LPG.

Texaco will also introduce the ‘Techron D’ additive, which provides benefits such as engine care, better performance and environmental impact reduction.